Supporting grandparent carers in Geraldton

Friday, 16 December 2011

Grandparents raising children in Geraldton are set to benefit from a MyTime for Grandparents peer support group.

It is part of the Gillard Government’s $1.2 million investment over four years for the Parenting Resource Centre to establish 25 groups, delivering on a 2010 election commitment.

WA Senator Louise Pratt today welcomed the Government’s commitment to grandparents raising children in our region.

“This 2010 election commitment will give grandparent carers a supportive environment to share experiences and build their parenting skills,” Senator Pratt said.

“This group gives grandparents who are the full‑time carers of children the opportunity to meet with other grandparents who understand their situation and find out about services and assistance available to them.

“They meet fortnightly with a facilitator who will provide information about support services and resources in their area, while a play helper provides activities for their children.

“The Gillard Government understands grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren make enormous sacrifices.

“It can be socially isolating, and they are often faced with emotional, physical and financial difficulties.

“Across the country, we have some 11,000 families where grandparents are the full‑time carers of children.

“MyTime for Grandparents will provide much needed additional support for grandparent carers, and help them continue supporting the children in their lives.

“All grandparent carers are entitled to the full range of family payments, including the Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Benefit and Parenting Payment, on the same basis as other families.”

For further information on MyTime for Grandparents go to www.mytime.net.au/grandparents or freecall 1800 889 997

Senator Pratt media contact: 08 9225 4411

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